Schools
T-Bolts Earn Top Honors in Nation’s Oldest Scholarship Program for Young Women
Orbon and Ekdale Excel in Academics, Talent, and Leadership to Earn State Recognition
Two Andrew High School seniors, Natalie Orbon and Alaina Ekdale, qualified as state finalists in the Distinguished Young Women of Illinois, a state branch of the nation's largest and oldest scholarship program for high school girls.
The T-Bolts completed a rigorous process, which included personal interviews, public speaking, a physical fitness routine, and talent presentations to be selected among the top 22 senior girls across Illinois. They were evaluated in these areas, as well as their scholastic achievement throughout high school, as demonstrated by their outstanding grades, advanced placement classes, SAT and ACT scores, and academic extracurriculars.
Orbon and Ekdale each earned scholarships to 12 different colleges. In addition, Orbon won a cash scholarship to use at the college of her choice based on her outstanding interview.
The goal of the Distinguished Young Women program is to empower young women to develop their full, individual potential by providing scholarships, personal development opportunities, and a positive peer network
